amta Summer 2019 Newsletter

amta South Dakota Chapter Newsletter

Summer 2019

2019 fall conference-neuromuscular therapy Presenter Douglas Nelson

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

● National News pg. 2 ● Meet the Board/ Volunteers pg. 3-6 ● State Chapter News pg. 7 ● President’s Message pg. 8 ● Registration pg 9-10

Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977. Seeing over 1,000 client visits annually, he is also the President of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. Established in 1982, the clinic has three locations and a staff of twenty therapists.

He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing more than eighty workshops annually in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more

than 12,000 hours of continuing education, while also being a neuromuscular consultant to professional and collegiate sports teams, dance companies, and a guest lecturer at the University of Illinois Medical School.

Doug is also the president of the Massage Therapy Foundation.

Having published many articles in numerous journals and magazines, he is also the author of two books- Table Lessons: Insights in the practice of Massage Therapy and The Mystery of Pain. Doug is the recipient of the 2013 Educator of the Year and 2015 Pioneer Award by the Illinois Chapter of the AMTA and was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2018.

AMTA SD members visit area school On April 9, 2019 5 amta

and fill them in on the

SD members – Ellie Beck-

exciting things going on in year.

er, Pam Harvey, Stacy

our chapter. It was very

Sprengeler, Heather Vet-

well received by all in-

ter, and Arden Yee – went

volved.

to the South Dakota School of Massage Therapy in Sioux Falls.

This was the 2nd time our chapter has been able to go down and visit the

tinue this 1 – 2 times per If you are interested in participating, please contact Heather via email: amtasd.mem@gmail.com or phone: (605)824-0696.

While they were there,

massage therapy students

they were able to partici-

of the South Dakota

pate in trade massages, a

School of Massage Thera-

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside

question/answer session,

py. We are hoping to con-

yourself.” — Oprah Winfrey

NATIONAL NEWS On June 6th-8th AMTA Board Members Dawn Menning, Amber Rasmussen and Government Relations Chair Valerie Rowen (pictured to the right) attended a Leadership Planning and Training for Chapter Presidents, Financial Administrators and Government Relations Chairs in Evanston, Illinois.

“I had the opportunity as Financial Administrator to attend the June Leadership Planning and Training Meeting in Chicago this year. It was absolutely amazing to see so many wonderful people in our profession that want to help their Chapters.

We had the opportunity to do break out sessions and I got to spend a day with all the other Financial Administrators. It was great to learn that we have come a looooong way in the digital and paperless world. Even though National controls a few things they truly have a vested interest in protecting our money and doing what we need them to do. I also learned how important it is to send our board and volunteers, no matter the expenses, to workshops and meetings as they are beneficial to our growth as a Chapter! We went through several slides breaking down what they need from us and what they don't. Everything is really electronic at this point. I love that National invited me to this meeting as it was so informative and well worth the money spent!

We had a couple free evenings as well so we got to take in the sites. Chicago has the best Architectural tour I have ever been on, how Beautiful!!”—Amber Rassmussen “June 6th-8th I attended a Leadership Planning and Training for Chapter Presidents, Financial Administrators and Government Relations Chairs in Evanston, Illinois where the National AMTA headquarters are located. Time was spent with all volunteers together reviewing the overall health of our organization, strategies for the future, best business practices and legal policies.

AMTA currently has over 90,000 members and remains the top choice in massage organizations! Many of the decisions that the National Board of Directors make are based on data collected from member surveys. When members take the time to complete those surveys, they really are influencing the direction of the AMTA on a national level.

In the breakout session with G.R. Chairs from all over the country, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the National G.R. staff with whom I maintain long distance communication throughout the year. While some of the information presented was already familiar to me from years of working in the Government Relations arena for our Chapter, I found the networking with other G.R. Chairs to be very valuable; particularly those from neighboring states. Some states have already dealt legislatively with issues that we may be looking at here in South Dakota in the near future. I’m excited to share knowledge and resources with those who have that experience.

Sarah-Thomas First female NFL Thank you to the Chapter for supplementing referee my expenses for this trip, which was predominately paid for by National.” submitted by Valerie Rowen Government Relations Chair

Grants Available for Convention Attendees

NATIONAL NEWS-GRANTS Location: Indianapolis, IN Once again, the South Dakota Chapter of AMTA is offering a limited number of $200 stipends to members who attend the National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, October 24-27. Up to 10 stipends at $200 each will be awarded on a first come, first served basis determined by the order members send a written or emailed request to the Financial Administrator, Amber Rasmussen (see address below).

These funds will be distributed after the National Conference when each qualifying member, who has reserved a stipend, submits a copy of their registration receipt along with Request for Payment form to Amber.

There is an expectation of members who take advantage of this opportunity bring some of their enthusiasm and knowledge they are sure to gain at an AMTA National Conference back to share with our local Chapter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE A SPOT CONTACT: Amber Rasmussen at 605-209-5003 or email her at amtasd.fin@gmail.com.

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Meet your Board Members & Volunetters

PRESIDENT-DAWN MENNING As Chapter President, I set the direction and pace of the chapters activities based on the vision that has been determined by the Chapter Membership, Chapter Board and other Chapter Officers.

I serve as a leader, a planner, a mentor, mediator and facilitator.

How long you have been a therapist? 13 years How long you have been an AMTA member? 8 years Where you are located? Aberdeen

Secretary– Jennine Dolphus My name is Jennine Dolphus I am from Aberdeen, SD and I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist and an AMTA member for 3 years. Currently, I serve as the SD Chapter Secretary.

The Secretary is the official keeper of the Chapter records, and is responsible for recording, maintaining and updating Chapter records. The Secretary is a voting member of the Chapter Board, attends Chapter Board Meetings and ensure that attendance, votes and proceedings of the meeting are recorded, maintained and retained. Also, submits required reports and volunteer rosters to the National Office.

Volunteering with the SD Chapter has been fulfilling on so many levels with the bonus of making lifelong connections all while contributing to our profession.

Financial Administrator– Amber Rasmussen As Financial Administrator I ensure the integrity of the fiscal affairs of the Chapter. I send and receive payments for Education or Travel.

I also partner with AMTA National to make sure we balance within our bank account.

How long you have been a therapist -I have been a therapist for 17 years How long you have been an AMTA member? I have been an AMTA member for 11 years Where you are located ? I currently reside in Rapid City

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Meet your Board members & Volunetters VOTING BOARD MEMBER Pam Harvey Voting board member -> partake in board meetings, vote as needed, keep track of and transport flags, plaques, etc How long you have been a therapist - 13 years How long you have been an AMTA member. - 13 years

VOTING BOARD MEMBER/WEBSITE CHAIR/MEMBERSHIPT CHAIR Heather Vetter Website Chair Bio: As Website Chair, I maintain our chapter’s website along with running the online registration for our chapter events/conferences. I work closely with our newsletter editor/ Facebook chair, Jenna, to ensure all of our social media platforms maintain consistent, up to date content.

How long you have been a therapist? I have been a therapist for 5 years.

How long you have been an AMTA member? I have been an AMTA member for 2 years.

Where you are located? Aberdeen, SD Membership Chair Bio: As Membership Chair, I contact all of our new SD members monthly welcoming them to the chapter and sharing our chapter resources to encourage communication and attendance at chapter conferences/events.

How long you have been a therapist? I have been a therapist for 5 years.

How long you have been an AMTA member? I have been an AMTA member for 2 years.

Where you are located? Aberdeen, SD Voting Board Member Bio: As Voting Board Member, I participate in all the decision-making processes within our chapter. I am part of voting in/out current chapter practices, ensuring we are keeping our chapter forward moving and providing the best for our members.

How long you have been a therapist? I have been a therapist for 5 years.

How long you have been an AMTA member? I have been an AMTA member for 2 years.

Where you are located? Aberdeen, SD

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Meet your Board members & Volunetters Education Co-Chair– Arden Yee My name is Arden Yee and I’ve been an AMTA member for 4 years. I’m CoEducation Chair along with Russell Kimble, for the 2018/19 year. Together we work to setup for the upcoming conference(s), from the surveys handed in, by you, the members. We look to find the presenters that will teach/guide us, as well as look for the hotel accommodations and meeting rooms space to host the upcoming conference(s).

I’m originally from New York, and have lived in Sioux Falls for last 15 years. I’ve been practicing Massage Therapy going on my 4th year, but it had been something I wanted to do for about 20 years prior.

I attended the South Dakota School of Massage Therapy in Sioux Falls, team taught by Dan Jensen and Deb Tams. I am grateful for the awesome team and experience. I currently work at the Avera McKennan Fitness Center,

Delegate– Tara Hall Delegate to the Assembly of Delegates(AOD): I represent the massage therapy profession in the AOD and related activities as they pertain to our profession in South Dakota.

How long you have been a therapist ? I have been a therapist for 15 years How long you have been an AMTA member? I have been an AMTA member for 8 years Where you are located ? Aberdeen, SD

Government Relations– Valerie Rowen As Government Relations Chair I am tasked with following any legislative activity that pertains to the massage profession, working closely with our consultants at National and our paid lobbyists. I monitor the SD Board of Massage Therapy and communicate any changes in massage regulation to the membership. I have been a member of the AMTA for over twenty-five years and have worked in the Government Relations arena since 2002, helping to draft and pass the massage therapy practice act I have practiced massage therapy in Pierre for thirty years

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Meet your Board members & Volunetters Newsletter Chair/Facebook Chair Jenna Williams As Newsletter Chair it is my job to obtain the articles for the newsletter and make/create the newsletter layout, and the distribution of the digital/ print editions. With my position of Facebook Chair I am in charge of content that is posted to our Facebook page.

I also work to sync our website, Facebook and newsletter to make sure we are providing our members the information they need in the fastest and most accurate way possible.

I have been a massage therapist for 5.5 years and have been an member for 6 years.

Historian-Patricia Bleeker Historian - I record and store the events of our chapter.

How long you have been a therapist - 24 years How long you have been an AMTA member. 24 years where you are located - Mitchell

Nominations/Awards Chair –Norma Kocanda As Awards and Nominations chair. I am responsible for the issuance of awards and nominations of elected positions during the Spring conference.

I have been a massage therapist and AMTA for four years.

I reside in South Dakota but originally from Illinois

STATE CHAPTER NEWS PLEASE READ SD PROPOSED STANDING RULE ONLINE ELECTIONS The AMTA-SD Chapter board will be presenting a new standing rule for membership approval at our upcoming membership meeting: Date: Friday, September 27, 2019 Time 11:45 am Location:

Holiday Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport 2040 W. Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD

This new Standing Rule would change our election process from an in-person vote at our annual meeting to an online election process. Per National AMTA Bylaws, we will require a 2/3 vote to approve the Standing Rule.

Following is a summary of the proposed Standing Rule requiring member approval.

Full context is provided in the attached.

Section 1. Chapter Elections The South Dakota Chapter shall hold online elections in accordance with AMTA Bylaws and Policy.

Rationale for creating this Standing Rule Section 1. Chapter Elections: This change proposes that the chapter move from conducting elections at our annual meeting to conducting online elections. Online Elections would provide an opportunity for all AMTA Professional Members in South Dakota to vote for elected chapter board positions and delegates electronically. Currently more than 50% of AMTA chapters are conducting their elections electronically, with an increase in voter participation. Additional information will be provided at the meeting. We hope you will attend an exercise your member right to vote on this standing rule. If this passes, the chapter will conduct online elections in 2020.

Please contact AMTA-SD Chapter President Dawn Menning, via email at amtasd.pres@gmail.com, if you have any questions about this Standing Rule.

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2019 Summer Newsletter - President’s message I would like to start out by extending a BIG "Thank You" to those of you who attended the 2019 Spring Conference, the Annual Membership Meeting & Banquet and to those of you who turned in a completed conference survey. It is alway a pleasure to be amongst the good company of fellow Licensed Masssge Therapist! At the 2019 AMTA SD Spring Conference we had attendees from South Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming and of course, our Instructor, Waneta Dimmer, and her team of TA's, from Cedar Rapids, IA. Wantea and her Craniosacral Level 1 Class was such a hit that the surveys indicated a strong desire to bring Waneta and Craniosacral Classes back to AMTA SD Members. Areden Yee, our Chapter Education Chair, and Amber Rasmussen, our Chapter Financial Administrator, are working closely together with member and former Co-Educatiion Chair, Russell Kimball, to bring Waneta back for Craniosacral Levels 1 and 2 in the beautiful Black Hills Area for the Fall 2020 AMTA SD Conference.

Hopefully you have seen the notifications for the AMTA SD Chaper's intended, upcoming education topics, tentative dates, along with the survey driven locations. If you have not yet seen the list of future education topics, please go to the AMTA SD Chapter's Facebook Page, or you can also find a link on the AMTA SD Chapter Website, as well as this very newsletter.

The 2019 Annual Membership meeting had a few new twists.... for example, we no longer print the chapter budget information and put it into the AMTA SD Annual Meeting Packets. This information is still available to members by contacting the Chapter Finanacial Administrator, Amber Rasmussen, and letting her know what financial information that you would like more information on. Next year we hope to present the financial information to you as a Power Point Presentation.

For the first time I've seen, we had a qualified member interested in each of the open positions up for election before the 2019 AMTA SD Annual Membership Meeting that we did not need to take nominations from the floor. Congratulations to Jennine Dolphus on being re-elected as AMTA SD Chapter Secretary, Pam Harvey on being re -elected as AMTA SD Chapter Voting Board Member, and to Tara Hall for being elected as the AMTA SD Chapter Delegate to the Assemby of Delegates in Indianapolis, Indiana in October. Each of these ladies will serve a 2 year term.

Change is inevitable and sometimes it affects us more closely than we realize. At this time i’d like to thank Patrica Bleeker for serving as the AMTA SD Chapter Delegate for the past two years and Russell Kimball for serving as the Co-Education Chair for the past year. Both of these volunteers truly

2019 Calendar of Events and Timelines

deserve our gratitude. Thanks again, Patricia and Russell!

At the Annual Meeting the announcement was made that the chapter would sponsor up to ten $200 scholarships to the AMTA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, October 21-26, 2019. If you are interested, please contact Amber Rasmussen, Chapter Financial Administrator before you go and she will fill you in on the scholarship guidelines.

Thank you to those members who wrote in answers on the survey. We take those surveys seriously... the “needs/concerns” as well as the “wants/choices”. Your comments have been noted and taken into account. We will be doing our best to improve as a Chapter Board and as Chapter Volunteers as prompted by the surveys. We truly do appreciate your constructive feedback and advice.

Please feel comfortable enough to come and discuss your concerns with us in person, especially if it’s something we need to look into immediately or something that may be questionable or not in alignment with by-laws. We are all striving to do the best we can do as Chapter Volunteers, we do make mistakes, however, we are willing to learn and we would appreciate hearing your thoughts, questions and concerns. We are always open to constructive criticism and appreciate good mentors!

Speaking of learning, let me tell you what we’re learning as Chapter Volunteers this summer... Valerie Rowen, Government Relations Chair, Amber Rasmussen, Financial Administrator and myself were in Evanston, IL, home of AMTA National Headquarters, in June for Chapter and National Planning and Training Sessions.

In July the Chapter Volunteers are gathering for a team building event and board meeting. Lots of good opportunities and good stuff happening... stay tuned “for the rest of the story”, as Paul Harvey would say.

Take care, God Bless and have a beautiful summer!

Hugs, Love & Light, Dawn



September 26, 2019 amta SD Chapter Board Meets Sioux Falls, SD

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September 27& 28, 2019 amta SD Fall Conference Sioux Falls, SD 

October 21-22, 2019 CVOPIndianapolis, IN

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October 23, 2019 Chapter Leadership Training and Assembly of Delegates

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October 24-27, 2019 amta National Convention Indianapolis, IN

Membership Report (March 2019 – May 2019): New Members: Roger Rohrer: Lead Raven Walthers: Rapid City Edith Sedlak: Sturgis Rachel Greiner: Corona Kristin Cutlip: Newell Shayla Muilenburg: Alpena Christine Riegel: Rapid City Tashina Womack: Rapid City Shea Hooth: Milbank Emily Stmad: Rapid City Membership Anniversaries: 5 Years: Tammy Fisher 5 Years Jamie Hawk 5 Years Samantha Leusink 5 Years Christine Thornton 5 Years 15 Years: Mary Cwach 15 Years Jeanne Thune 15 Years 20 Years: David Smith 20 Years 25 Years: Dwight Schaeffer 25 Years

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Reservations & Schedule Hotel information: Holiday Inn& Suites Sioux Falls Airport 2040 W Russell St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Direct phone number (605) 331-2040 BE SURE TO MENTION YOU ARE WITH

AMTA/American Massage Therapy Association or

BOOK ONLINE Room Rate: $139 per night plus tax.

Onsite Restaurant (Crooked Pint) that open for Breakfast at 6am

FRIDAY 9/27 - PNMT for the Hip 7:15am to 7:45am - Registration & SignUps for Class 7:45am to 8am - Introduction & Welcome (Doug Nelson) and attendees 8am to 10:10am - Session 1 10:10am to 10:30am - BREAK 10:30am to 11:45am - Session 2 11:45am to 12noon Quick membership meeting and Vote 12noon to 1:30pm - LUNCH (SDAMTA - membership requested length) 1:30pm to 3:00pm - Session 3 3:00pm to 3:10pm - BREAK 3:10pm to 4:20pm - Session 4 4:20pm to 4:10pm BREAK 4:30 to 5:30 Last Session / End for the Day

SATURDAY 9/28 - PNMT for the Legs and Feet 8am to 10:10am - Session 1 10:10am to 10:30am - BREAK 10:30am to 12noon - Session 2 12noon to 1:30pm - LUNCH (SDAMTA - membership requested length) 1:30 to 3:00 pm - Session 3 3:00pm to 3:10pm - BREAK 3:10pm to 4:10pm - Session 4 4:10pm to 4:15pm BREAK 4:15pm to 5:15pm Final Session / End 5:15pm to whenever - Closing statements - Thank You's - Cleanup - Post conference Board Meeting

SDAMTA 2019 FALL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Neuromuscular Therapy - Featuring Douglas Nelson - PMNT for the Hip, Legs and Feet Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th, 2019 Holiday Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport -2040 West Russell Street, Sioux Falls South Dakota 57104

NAME ____________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP__________________________________________________________________ __ PHONE____________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMANTION__________________________________________________

Registration Rates: AMTA Member (Member ID # ) ...................................$ 175 First Time AMTA Attendee or Student (with Proof) .....................$ 155 Non-AMTA Members ....................................................................$ 205 At the Door (Same Day Registration)...........................................Add $ 45 Total Amount Enclosed: $_______________ Check #____________ Make checks payable to: AMTA-SD

Send registration and fee to: Amber Rasmussen 8330 Heather Dr. Rapid City, SD 57702-7706 NO CONFIRMATION LETTER WILL BE SENT • 16 CEU Hours • No Shows are non-refundable • 2-party checks are not accepted / Credit Cards accepted through Online Registration •

Table, linen lotion (product) needed

•

DRESS IN LAYERS